Two men were remanded into custody today accused of plotting to supply heroin in Belfast.

Lithuanians Marius Noreika, 30, and Darius Bulatovas, 24, were arrested in the city centre on Tuesday. The pair, both of no fixed address, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court jointly charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Bulatovas faces a further count of having criminal property, namely a quantity of cash. An investigating detective said he could connect both accused to the alleged offences.

Under cross-examination by defence solicitor Dennis Boyd he confirmed that heroin was not found on Bulatovas. Mr Boyd also contended that at this stage the case against his client is largely circumstantial.

The lawyer said Bulatovas denied the offences during police interviews and provided an innocent explanation for the money taken from him. Neither defendant sought bail during the hearing.

They were instead remanded into custody to appear again by video-link next week. Bail applications may be mounted at that stage.